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CNET Update

Game console war heats up with Xbox, PlayStation updates

Microsoft and Sony announce new game console features, Alienware demos a PC that acts like a console, and the new Skylanders Trap Team game doesn't even require a console -- just a tablet.

2:56 / August 12, 2014

Transcript

While Microsoft levels up the Xbox One, there's a new Skylanders game that doesn't even require a console.
I'm Bridget Carey, and this is your CNET Update.
Microsoft will be selling new versions of the Xbox One game console this fall just in time for holiday shopping.
If you were looking for a machine with more storage memory there's a limited edition Call of Duty bundle.
It has a one terabyte hard drive and it's decked out in gold, black, and gun metal.
And it include the Advanced Warfare game with bonus in-game features.
With all these extras, it does cost $100 more than the current Xbox One.
But it also has twice as much storage.
That comes out November 3rd.
If you don't wanna spend more for the extra frills, Microsoft is also selling a white model for $400.
And it's bundled with the game Sunset Overdrive.
That hits stores October 28th.
And this news comes out of the Gamescom video game conference.
It's going on now in Germany.
Microsoft also announced the XBox One will be getting updates with new ways to stream media.
Soon, you'll be able to stream videos and music stored on your home computer, to the XBox and the console will be able to read more types of media file formats from an attached USB device.
Microsoft also put a focus on multitasking.
A new friends section let's you see what games your friends are playing and ranks their gamer scores.
Snap center gives a quick glance at messages, parties and achievements without leaving the game and threaded messages also shows conversation history and links to game clips all while you're still playing.
These updates will roll out over the coming months.
Sony also announced that the PlayStation 4 will have an update in the fall called Share Play.
You can take turns playing a game with any friend on PlayStation plus.
And that friend doesn't have to own or download the game.
Also other players can join in games with you co-op or competitive.
Traditional consoles like the Xbox and Playstation, they're facing more competition for the living room these days.
Take a look at the new gaming pc from Dell.
It acts like a living room console.
It's the Alienware Alpha, you can control the whole thing with an Xbox 360 controller.
It's a full Windows 8 PC, but you can boot it up in console mode.
To play PC versions of popular games which you can download through the Steam service.
It starts at $550.
And it's set to come out November 21st.
And now, we're seeing big video game titles release versions for tablets.
The next Skylanders game will have a starter pack that works for tablets.
Trap Team comes out in October.
And it'll cost $75, that's the same price as the console version.
It'll work with Amazon's Kindle Fire HDX as well as iPads and several Android tablets.
That's your tech news update.
For more details, head to www.CNET.com.
From our studios in New York, I'm Bridget Carey.

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